UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,038,078 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 10,972 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 23,341, 1,027 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 258
Total UK deaths: 117,166
England Cases per 100,000: 143
R number in UK: 0.7 – 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 15,062,189 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 505,362
There have been over 4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 117,000 people have died. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 15 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and over 65s are now being invited to have their vaccinations.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 18,615 to 14th February
Current cases: 555 (167 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 595 to January 29th
Cases per 100,000: 189 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 – 0.9
The R number in the North West has fallen to between 0.7 – 0.9
The R value and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK – The R range is one of the most important factors in making policy decisions
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the guidance on campaigning for electoral events.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Over 65s offered vaccine as 15 million people receive 1st dose
People aged over 65 in England – along with younger people in at-risk groups are next in line to receive their coronavirus vaccinations after the UK government said it had hit its initial target for offering a first dose of vaccine to the most vulnerable people, including the over-70s, care home residents and staff and front-line health workers. As well as the over-65s, the next group to be offered their first vaccine dose will be the estimated 7.3 million people aged 16 to 65 who have health conditions that put them at risk from the virus. This means people with chronic heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, severe lung conditions, severe learning disabilities and mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder will be next on the priority list. Foreign Secretary thanks medics on vaccine frontline
Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab thanked the dedicated medical teams delivering coronavirus jabs to the country’s most vulnerable people during a visit today.
New quarantine laws for travellers from ‘red list’ countries in force today
The UK’s latest attempt to stop new variants of coronavirus being imported from overseas comes into force today. Any British or Irish citizen arriving in the UK from one of the 33 “red list” countries will be required to quarantine in a specially designated hotel for 10 days at their own expense, estimated to be £1,750 per person. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £10,000. In Scotland, anyone arriving from any country must quarantine. While quarantine is for those coming from the highest risk countries, all arrivals in England now also face new test and trace rules, which requires them to get tested for Covid on days two and eight of their 10-day self-isolation.
HMRC: Last day to claim furlough payments for January
You have until ?just before midnight tonight, Mon???day ?15?? ?February, to claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for pay periods in January?? ?2021.
Sporting legends led by Sir Geoff Hurst urge over 70s to get Coronavirus vaccination
Hurst says: “For goodness sake, just get it done. It’s in your interest, as well as that of your family, friends, workmates, and your country.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally). Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page: www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers
Growth Hub: Greater Manchester’s entrepreneurial spirit offers hopes for strong economic recovery
Greater Manchester’s SME community “has shown an unwavering ability to seek opportunity, innovate and thrive in the hardest of times” a new report has revealed. This is just one of the findings in GC Business Growth Hub’s first-ever annual review, ‘The Greater Manchester Business Growth Report’, published today (12 February). The 53-page document provides vital insight into how the region’s businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as understanding opportunities and challenges in the year ahead. Figures quoted in the report, from the Greater Manchester Business Survey 2020[1], show that the city-region was spearheading innovation at a rate double the national average. A total of 406 companies, 76 per cent of those surveyed, had conducted innovation projects. Whereas, The UK Innovation Survey 2019 published last July, found that compared to only 38 per cent of SMEs nationally. Read full report here
Coronavirus rates in Stockport gradually falling but we must still be vigilant
Although rates are now at 200.1 per 100,000, Director of Public Health for Stockport Jen Connolly reminds everyone to stay at home, follow the hands – face – space rule and, if you have any symptoms, take a test and self-isolate. “In Stockport we are also seeing around 83.9 new cases each day.” Once you have had vaccine, you can still catch or spread the virus, it will take time for antibodies to develop in the immune system, so people will not be fully protected yet.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally). Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page: www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers
Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant Schemes
Stockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.
The new Micro-business support scheme will see businesses outside of the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors become eligible for both the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme and the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses, affecting organisations that were impacted during the lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, and subsequent periods of lockdown. Support will be backdated to the first date of eligibility. The discretionary schemes allow councils to support businesses that have missed out on other support as they do not have a business rates liability. Stockport Council is adding a number of sectors to those already eligible for the schemes. Details here To be eligible for the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme bus also meet specific criteria – details here Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have fixed property costs and demonstrate a loss in income as a result of the pandemic.
Applications for the above scheme are now open and may be accessed here
Micro-business support grant – Stockport Council
Some businesses have not been eligible to receive a grant, and this continues to be the case – find out more here
Please note: The Council has now received funding for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme for the period following the end of the lockdown on 2nd December 2020.
A system to make automated repeat payments for qualifying businesses based on their initial applications is being used and so there is no need for businesses to reapply after their first application for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme. Funds will be paid to businesses and an email will be sent to each business stating that in accepting the funding they are confirming that they meet the qualifying conditions and statements set out in the email.
If you have not yet applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme, you will need to make an initial application before you can be considered to be eligible to receive any automatic payments for further qualifying periods. Further information on the schemes will be updated on the Stockport Council website.
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Last day to claim furlough payments for January
You have until ?just before midnight tonight, Mon???day ?15?? ?February, to claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for pay periods in January?? ?2021.
Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar – Register here
We are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19: Jobs with testing travel exemptions
People who do not have to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 or after day 8 of quarantine
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – information about new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – added illustration demonstrating a worked example for household self-isolation and updated translations and easy-read guidance.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of providers.
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
EDUCATION:
Supporting your children’s remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home – added top tips for supporting your child during remote education. Added links for information about the Reading Well booklist that supports mental health, how to find your local library and the services they offer, and online support for parents and carers to keep children and young people safe from online harm.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: information for healthcare practitioners
Guidance for healthcare practitioners about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
NHS COVID-19 app alerts 1.7 million contacts to stop spread of COVID-19
Over 1.7 million users have been asked to isolate as a result of a close contact since launch, helping to break chains of transmission.
New COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) variants
Information on the new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus – added link to ‘SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow antigen tests: evaluation of VOC1 (Kent, UK) and VOC2 (South Africa)’ guidance.
SARS-CoV-2 lateral flow antigen tests: evaluation of VOC1 and VOC2
PHE Porton Down has carried out a rapid assessment on whether lateral flow devices can detect VOC1 and VOC2.
Nationwide drive to urge vaccine take-up in priority groups
Further push gets underway this weekend to encourage top 4 priority cohorts to get their jab.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
A record 3 million people tested by NHS Test and Trace this reporting week
More than 3 million people were tested by NHS Test and Trace this reporting week, the highest number ever in a single week.
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals – updated to include information on the Moderna mRNa vaccine, further changes to the advice on managing allergic history and allergies after dose 1 and updated information and clarification of advice on pregnancy.
COVID-19 vaccination uptake plan
Sets out the government’s approach to making sure that as many people as possible take up the offer of vaccination.
New vaccine uptake plan published
From vaccination buses to WhatsApp groups and charity engagement, the new COVID-19 vaccine uptake plan aims to boost vaccine uptake in vulnerable and under-served groups.
Groundbreaking COVID-19 treatments to be fast-tracked through clinical trials
The world’s most innovative treatments for COVID-19 will soon be fast-tracked through the UK’s clinical trial system, as the government announces funding for the most promising treatments.
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read resources
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination.
Added revised leaflet with changes to guidance on severe asthma and main carers.
Testing on day 2 and day 8 for international arrivals
Minimum standards for test providers.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm – update for week commencing Monday 15 February published.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – the following sections have been updated: business and charity support, public health, schools and education, testing, vaccines and other.
MINISTRY of DEFENCE:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities.
PROPERTY:
Eviction Ban Extended Again: government makes announcement
The government has announced yet another ban on bailiff-enforced evictions in the private rental sector. The existing ban was due to expire on February 21 but now this has been put back some six weeks until March 31.
Housing Secretary extends support for renters during pandemic
Renters will continue to be supported during the ongoing national lockdown restrictions, with an extension to the ban on bailiff evictions.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU.
TRAVEL:
Impact of Coronavirus (Covid-19) on the UK travel and tourism industry
Analysis of the how industries related to travel and tourism in the UK have been affected by the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, using data on business performance and the labour market.
Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England
How to book a place in a quarantine hotel and arrange coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’re travelling to England from a country on the banned travel list.
How to quarantine when you arrive in England
What to do before and after you arrive in England, including staying at home and ordering coronavirus (COVID-19) tests.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad.
Information about new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel bans to the UK
Countries from which entry to the UK is banned – ‘red list’ countries – New testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
All travel corridors for people arriving in England are suspended – new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Managed quarantine: what to expect
Guidance for travellers to England who have visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): requirements to provide public health information to passengers travelling to England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it. Providing information on new coronavirus testing and quarantine rules from 15 February 2021.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel internationally – edited the checklist to provide further detail on requirements coming into effect from 15 February.
Foreign travel insurance
Wherever you’re travelling, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go – edited grey box at top of page to provide further information on requirements coming into effect from 15 February
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
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